JIM BENDER -- Sun Media

Three Manitoban women will be Germany-bound next month.
Arborg's Laura Fridfinnson, 19, was one of three Manitobans named to Canada's Women's Under-22 Team that Hockey Canada announced yesterday.

The 5-foot-8, 133-pound forward will compete at the European Air Canada Cup in Ravensburg, Germany, Jan. 2-6.

The other Manitobans selected were Melanie Gagnon, 21, a 5-foot-5, 155-pound defenceman from St. Adolphe and Jocelyne Larocque, 19, a 5-foot-7, 140-pound blueliner from Ste. Anne. None could be reached for comment.

All three played for the national team when it swept the Americans in a three-game series in Lake Placid, N.Y., last August. In fact, 19 of the 22 players picked played in Lake Placid. "We are thrilled that we are able to bring back the core of the team from the summer," head coach Dan Church said in a release.

Canada is the five-time defending champion at the European Air Canada Cup, having won every tournament since its inception in 2003.Canada, Germany and Russia will compete in Pool B, while Switzerland, Sweden and Finland comprise Pool A.

FOLLOWING FOOTSTEPS: Colin Wilson, the son of ex-NHLer, Olympian and former Manitoba Moose forward Carey Wilson, was selected to the U.S. junior hockey team yesterday. The centre had been playing for the U.S. Junior Development team.

BRANDON ON TOP: The Wheat Kings posted their sixth straight win when they upended the Pats 5-2 in Regina on Tuesday to take sole possession of first place in the WHL East Division with a record of 20-9-1. The 41 points also moved the Wheaties into second spot in the Eastern Conference, just two points behind Calgary. The Wheat Kings will start a three-game homestand against Saskatoon tomorrow night.

TOP AAA PLAYER: Eastman Selects forward Lee Reimer has been named the Manitoba AAA Midget Hockey League offensive player of the month for November.

The Landmark native scored nine goals and 19 points in nine games, leading the Selects to a 6-2 record.

Winnipeg Thrashers rearguard Mathew Bodie was named top defensive player. The team captain recorded an incredible plus-23 rating while scoring two goals and 13 points as Winnipeg extended its winning streak to 19 games.

PLAYERS OF MONTH: Waywayseecappo forward Sean Collins has been named MJHL offensive player of the month. Collins, 19, led all MJHLers with 11 goals and 26 points in 11 games.

Wolverines blueliner Brock Turner was named top defenceman of the month. Turner, 20, scored three goals and 13 points in 11 games.

Portage Terriers netminder Gavin McHale was deemed the top goaltender. McHale, 20, went 8-2 with a 1.75 GAA and a .949 save percentage and one shutout.

Swan Valley forward Stephan Vigier was named rookie of the month after scoring seven goals and 17 points in 11 games.